Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1362 - 1358: Deduction

His foresight now extends two full years into the future.

This remarkable enhancement is a direct benefit of achieving the Second Layer of the Heavenly Yuan Technique, which has doubled the potency of the Donghuan Saint Technique. What was previously a one-year prediction has now stretched to two.

With this additional year of foresight, the scope of what can be seen is vastly more profound than a simple doubling would suggest.

For every action in the world, there is a consequence, and within these consequences lie unforeseen opportunities, while the outcome of one event often becomes the catalyst for another.

The intricate web of cause and effect binds everything together in an infinite, complex dance.

Gaining an extra year of vision allows for the perception of more intricate chains of causation, naturally leading to different and more effective methods of response.

"Who was it that injured me?" Li Hongzhao inquired, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "There shouldn't be many who can harm me at this stage, should there?"

Chu Zhiyuan offered a simple nod in agreement.

Li Hongzhao continued, "It couldn't have been a Venerable, could it?"

The power she wielded with the Phoenix Divine Palm was exceptionally formidable, making it highly unlikely that even a Venerable could match her.

She subtly shifted her inquiry, "Perhaps it was a Spirit Venerable?"

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "I couldn't discern the identity of the one who injured you."

"Is it because you are unable to see who hurt the Spirit Venerable?" Li Hongzhao probed further.

Chu Zhiyuan clarified, "After you journeyed to a specific location and returned, you were found to be grievously wounded, nearly breathing your last."

"And where exactly did I go?"

"That information remains unknown."

"Your secret technique seems rather unreliable," Li Hongzhao commented.

"I can only perceive a general outline; precise details are beyond its current capability. Nevertheless, let us examine what we can glean."

"Why is it that you cannot see where I traveled?"

"It's likely that the destination was not within Biyuan Heaven," Chu Zhiyuan hypothesized. "Perhaps you ventured into a particular Grotto Heaven or a hidden Cave Mansion."

"Hmm, that does seem plausible," Li Hongzhao mused thoughtfully. "So, your secret technique is incapable of seeing beyond the boundaries of Biyuan Heaven?"

"Beyond Biyuan Heaven lies an entirely different realm, where the fundamental rules of existence operate differently. It would require my own presence within that realm for me to perceive events there."

He pondered if venturing into another world would grant him the ability to foresee events within that realm.

However, if he remained within his current realm, he was fundamentally unable to observe the circumstances of another.

This limitation was a significant one.

He wondered if complete mastery of the Second Layer might break this constraint, further amplifying the power of the Donghuan Saint Technique.

"Seriously injured..." Li Hongzhao's brow furrowed slightly. "So, a year from now, I will journey to another place? And there, I will sustain severe injuries before fleeing back?"

"Precisely," Chu Zhiyuan confirmed with a nod.

"And after I manage to escape back, what transpires then?" Li Hongzhao inquired.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a soft chuckle. "That particular aspect remains obscured."

Li Hongzhao shot him a playful glare. "Are you deliberately toying with me?"

Chu Zhiyuan smiled gently. "Following this ordeal, your strength will increase significantly, and your life will undergo a profound transformation, altering your destiny irrevocably."

Li Hongzhao's phoenix eyes sparkled with intense brilliance. "Does this mean I will achieve the status of a Spirit Venerable?"

Chu Zhiyuan offered a measured response. "It is possible you will attain the Spirit Venerable rank, or perhaps something else entirely."

Within the visions he had witnessed, Li Hongzhao was destined to acquire a miraculous artifact that would reshape her entire existence.

"And what else could this potential outcome be?"

"...It might be Divine Blood."

This thought suddenly materialized in his mind, and he instantly found himself believing it.

Everything seemed to be guided by fate; the merest mention of Phoenix Divine Blood in connection with Li Hongzhao conjured visions of her obtaining a life-altering treasure.

His mind naturally gravitated towards Phoenix Divine Blood.

In the past, he placed his faith in sheer luck, as his fortune had always been exceptionally good; otherwise, he would not have achieved his current standing.

The transition from a mere Princely Heir to a direct disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and subsequently a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect, seemed almost impossible through ordinary means.

However, back then, he wasn't entirely convinced of the concept of destiny; his belief was that it might exist, or it might not.

Yet, ever since he began practicing the Donghuan Saint Technique, a subtle inkling of destiny's existence began to form within him.

As his proficiency with the Donghuan Saint Technique grew, this sense of destiny's presence became increasingly pronounced.

"Phoenix Divine Blood?!" Li Hongzhao exclaimed, her voice filled with astonishment.

Chu Zhiyuan elaborated, "Phoenix Divine Blood appears to be a genuine possibility, and you might indeed obtain it, thereby elevating your life level. With Phoenix Divine Blood, you could potentially ascend directly to the rank of Spirit Venerable."

"I never imagined I'd possess such incredible fortune!" Li Hongzhao declared, her smile radiating pure joy.

Chu Zhiyuan cautioned, "However, the experience is fraught with extreme danger; you will be perilously close to death."

Li Hongzhao let out a hearty laugh. "With the Phoenix Divine Palm and my inherent bloodline, succumbing so easily is not an option."

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a nod.

Li Hongzhao chuckled lightly. "Unexpectedly, my destined opportunity has presented itself. Perhaps I should not rush my cultivation efforts for now."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a piece of wisdom. "If foreknowledge of the future leads you to alter your present actions, then the future you perceive will no longer be the original one."

Li Hongzhao's brow furrowed in contemplation.

Chu Zhiyuan continued, "Furthermore, you will be fleeing alone, gravely injured and critically ill."

Li Hongzhao acknowledged this with a solemn nod.

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "Are there no other fellow disciples or Senior Song accompanying you?"

Li Hongzhao lightly knitted her brows. "What are you implying?"

Chu Zhiyuan merely offered a smile, remaining silent.

Li Hongzhao’s expression grew grim as she slowly asked, "Are you suggesting that my master or my senior sisters met with some misfortune?"

"Do you find that possibility inconceivable?" Chu Zhiyuan countered with a smile. "After all, you now wield the Phoenix Divine Palm, making you more formidable than all of them. If you yourself are gravely injured, what fate could possibly befall them?"

Li Hongzhao’s face darkened further.

"It's plausible they were completely annihilated, leaving only you," Chu Zhiyuan continued. "In the end, you returned alone to the Phoenix Secret Land, the only one I could possibly see."

Li Hongzhao’s countenance weighed heavily. "If any of my other sisters were present, they would undoubtedly have come to see me."

Chu Zhiyuan gave a slow nod.

"So, it was indeed total annihilation," Li Hongzhao scoffed, her voice laced with disbelief. "This is nothing short of a catastrophe for the Phoenix Lineage."

"It represents your opportunity, yet a profound calamity for the Phoenix Lineage," Chu Zhiyuan stated matter-of-factly. "Such is the natural order of the world; where there is gain, there is inevitably loss."

"If that is truly the case, I would gladly forgo such an opportunity."

"You do not wish to attain the status of Spirit Venerable?"

"The price for achieving Spirit Venerable is far too steep," Li Hongzhao declared. "I would rather progress at my own pace."

Chu Zhiyuan simply shook his head.

Li Hongzhao’s phoenix eyes gleamed like frigid stars, her gaze distant as she fell into deep contemplation.

Chu Zhiyuan, too, was lost in his own thoughts.

With the Donghuan Saint Technique, the future could indeed be altered, thereby ceasing to be an immutable certainty.

However, there would always remain residual traces or clues.

The existence of that particular Grotto Heaven or world would not simply vanish simply because the future underwent a transformation.

Li Hongzhao released a sigh. "It appears I must now dedicate myself to urgent cultivation."

"You cannot prevent Senior Song or your fellow sisters from taking action; all you can control is your own path," Chu Zhiyuan advised.

Li Hongzhao pondered his words.

"When the appointed time arrives, I shall accompany you," Chu Zhiyuan offered.

Li Hongzhao’s immediate smile bloomed, radiant and dazzling like a blossoming flower.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, taking a delicate sip. "I fear that when the moment comes, Senior Song and the others will likely object to my presence. Given the involvement of Divine Blood, they may harbor distrust towards me."

"Master places immense trust in you," Li Hongzhao replied earnestly. "Without your guidance, no one could possibly hope to successfully master the Phoenix Divine Palm."

"Has anyone succeeded thus far?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired.

Li Hongzhao gently shook her head.

"They do not suspect I misled them, do they?" Chu Zhiyuan asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Li Hongzhao chuckled. "Master trusts you implicitly. It’s simply that the threshold for the Phoenix Divine Palm is exceptionally high, making it incredibly difficult to attain."

"If I were in their position, I would certainly question the veracity of my words," Chu Zhiyuan remarked.

"I did inquire of Master regarding this matter, and she conveyed that her intuition strongly suggested you were not being untruthful."

"Ah, I understand. Rather than outright believing me, she relies on her own innate sense."

"Precisely."

"Very well, then. All you can do at this juncture is to enhance your Cultivation, actively seek out opportunities, and practice diligently."

"Mm, I shall endeavor to do so," Li Hongzhao affirmed. Draining her cup of tea, her phoenix eyes shone with renewed brilliance. "I shall request Master’s assistance in obtaining Spiritual Medicine or a Spiritual Treasure!"

The Imperial Treasury of the Court undoubtedly held an abundance of valuable items. In these critical times, it was perfectly acceptable to set aside personal pride and request aid to accelerate her Cultivation.

This was to prevent future regrets.